As the assembly watched with bated breath, the renowned Jāmadagnya, known as Paraśurāma, gazed intently at Rāma, son of Daśaratha. With deep insight, he said, “I know you, Rāma, to be none other than the undying slayer of Madhu, the lord of the gods. By your mere touch of this bow, may all be well for you, O scorcher of foes.” He continued, “All the hosts of gods have gathered here and are watching you, whose deeds are unmatched, who has no equal in battle. And, O descendant of Kakutstha, let there be no shame for me in this—being turned away by you, the lord of the three worlds. O Rāma, you of firm vows, you should now release the peerless arrow. After you have done so, I shall go to Mahendra, the greatest of mountains.” When the mighty Jāmadagnya had spoken thus, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, glorious and resolute, released the supreme arrow. Jāmadagnya saw his own worlds, won through severe asceticism, struck down by Rāma’s power. Without delay, Jāmadagnya swiftly departed for Mahendra, the greatest of mountains. In that moment, all directions and the intermediate quarters became clear and radiant. The gods and hosts of sages raised their voices in praise of Rāma, wielder of the mighty bow. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was honored by Jāmadagnya Rāma, who then circumambulated him in reverence and departed on his own path. With the departure of Jāmadagnya, the tranquil-minded Rāma, son of Daśaratha, famed throughout the land, placed the great bow into the hands of the immeasurable Varuṇa. Then, after bowing to the sages led by Vasiṣṭha, he approached his father, King Daśaratha, who was distressed, and spoke to him, bringing delight to the Raghu line: “Jāmadagnya Rāma has gone; let the fourfold army now proceed towards Ayodhyā, under your protection.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha embraced his beloved son Rāghava with both arms and kissed his head affectionately. The king was overjoyed, as if he and his son had been born anew. He ordered the army to advance at once and returned swiftly to Ayodhyā, the city beautiful with banners and flags, resounding with drums and musical instruments. The royal road was sprinkled with water and strewn with heaps of flowers, and the townspeople, bearing auspicious items, greeted the king at the city entrance. The city itself was filled and adorned with crowds of people, and the king was welcomed from afar by citizens, Brahmins, and all the city dwellers. Accompanied by his sons and glorious companions, the illustrious king entered his beloved palace, splendid as Mount Himavat. There, in the palace, the king rejoiced with his people, honored and with every desire fulfilled. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the fair-waisted Kaikeyī also rejoiced. The royal women, busy with welcoming the new brides as was the custom, received Sītā, greatly fortunate, and the illustrious Urmilā. The royal women also took in the two daughters of Kuśadhvaja, adorned with auspicious words and offerings, clad in fine garments. All of them quickly worshipped at the shrines of the gods, and at that time, all the royal sons paid their respects to those worthy of honor. Filled with joy, the women delighted in private with their husbands, having accomplished their marriages—these princes, skilled in arms, possessing wealth and friends. The best of men, attentive to their father, served him faithfully. Then, after some time, King Daśaratha spoke to his son Bharata, son of Kaikeyī and delight of the Raghu line: “This is the son of the king of Kekaya, residing here, dear son. Your heroic maternal uncle Yudhājit has come to take you.” Hearing this, Bharata, accompanied by Shatrughna, prepared to depart, having taken leave of his father and Rāma. Along with Shatrughna, the best among men went to their mothers; Yudhājit, finding Bharata and Shatrughna, was greatly delighted. The hero entered his own city, and his father was pleased; with Bharata departed, Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained. At that time, they honored their father, who was like a god, and placing his commands foremost, they carried out all the duties of the citizens. Rāma performed all that was pleasing and beneficial; having fulfilled his duties toward his mothers, he acted with utmost restraint. He attended to the duties owed to his teachers at the proper times, and thus, Daśaratha was pleased, as were the Brahmins and townsfolk. Because of Rāma’s character and conduct, all the inhabitants of the realm were delighted; Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, became renowned among them. He became the most virtuous among beings, like the self-born creator himself, and together with Sītā, he enjoyed many seasons of happiness. He was thoughtful, his mind fixed upon her, and she was ever in his heart; Sītā, dear to Rāma, was his wife, chosen by his father. Because of her virtues and beauty, their affection grew ever stronger, and her husband occupied twice the place in her heart. Even what is hidden is revealed, as heart speaks to heart; especially for him, Sītā, the Maithilī, daughter of Janaka, equal to the gods in form, radiant like fortune herself, was his beloved. United with her, the royal sage’s son, full of desire, shone greatly, filled with joy, like Viṣṇu, the lord of immortals, radiant with fortune. Meanwhile, Bharata stayed in his maternal uncle’s home, honored and respected, cherished by the lord of horses with the affection of a son, accompanied always by his brother. Thus, peace and joy returned to Ayodhyā, and the days passed in happiness and virtue.